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Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health
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National Poison Prevention Week
March 20-26, 2011
Every year in March, we recognize National Poison Prevention Week. It is a time to raise awareness about the dangers of household poisons, as well as to educate parents and caregivers about poison-prevention techniques. The theme of this year's National Poison Prevention Week, Locked Out of Reach, focuses on protecting those most vulnerable: children under five.
Unintentional poisoning is an all too common preventable injury and every year brings unexpected hospital visits for many children. Parents and caregivers are urged to keep chemicals, medications, cleaning supplies, and art supplies not meant for children safely stored in a locked cabinet or box and out of the reach of children.
The Government of Canada recently launched the Children's Health and Safety Campaign aimed at promoting children's health and safety tips for parents. The 
ads and website offer tips and advice for parents on a variety of topics including poison prevention.
Health Canada also offers educational programs such as the Stay Safe program, which teaches children to recognize the hazard symbols found on household chemical products in a fun and interactive way. The Stay Safe program promotes these simple and effective messages for children:
- Stop when you see a container that reads, "don't touch"
- Look for a hazard symbol
- Stay safe: go get a grown up
On June 20, 2011, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act will come into force. The CCPSA will allow for more modern and robust product safety legislation to address emerging consumer product safety issues.
Health Canada will continue to work with the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres and Safe Kids Canada to raise awareness of this important issue.
For more information on the dangers of unintentional poisoning, and for tips on how to further protect the children in your home, I encourage you to visit the websites for Health Canada, Healthy Canadians, Safe Kids Canada and the Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres.
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
